Bayern Munich’s Sporting Director Hasan Salihamidzic has confirmed that Niko Kovac will be Bayern’s new coach next season. Jupp Heynckes came from retirement to lead Bavarians this season after Carlo Ancelotti was sacked in October this season. Everyone knew that Heynckes won’t continue next season, and to end speculation on Bayern’s new manager Hasan Salihamidzic put a stamp on the name of Niko Kovac.

Niko Kovac is a former Croatian midfielder who also played for Bayern from 2001 to 2003. He is currently managing Eintracht Frankfurt since 2016. Frankfurt finished 16th at Bundesliga table in his first season in-charge and he barely managed to bring them back through the playoff against FC Nuremberg. Frankfurt finished at 11th following season in 2016/17 and in current season only two points behind Champions League places sitting at fifth with 46 points.

It’s a great achievement for the 46-year-old former Croatian midfielder. He has managed Frankfurt in 85 games, and won 37, played 19 draws and suffered 29 defeats. It’s a pretty good record for a manager who managed a relegation-threatened team.

It’s a good bet by Bayern avoiding high profile names. They avoided the names like Massimiliano Allegri, Antonio Conte, and Thomas Tuchel for the job. Niko Kovac will take over Bayern job at the end of the season on 1st July 2018. Salihamidzic confirmed that Kovac has signed a three year deal with the Bavarians starting from next season.

? #Heynckes on Kovač: “I’ve read his biography and it’s very positive. He is working with many different types of player with varying nationalities in Frankfurt, and he’s doing a wonderful job. He is no doubt predestined to coach #FCBayern.” pic.twitter.com/rV7rJ94tDf

Jupp Heynckes also welcomed Niko Kovac as his successor. Heynckes told Bayern Munich official site, “I have read his biography and it’s very positive. He is working with many different types of players with varying nationalities in Frankfurt, and he’s doing a wonderful job. He is no doubt predestined to coach FC Bayern.”